Following the Senator’s speech, I combed the blogs and columns looking for someone who saw, as I did, the missed opportunity in his address to our nation.
As a self-described Christian who aspires to lead our great nation and whose wife has claimed that he is the one who would “heal America’s soul,” the Senator sadly failed to remind us (and his own pastor) of where the answers lie.
If one wants to lead, and if one loves his fellow man, he doesn’t remain silent when he knows someone is engaged in conversation or deed that is either harmful to himself or others. And that correction can be made with humility and in love.
Ideally, a House of Worship is a refuge from the world – a place where one goes to hear words that are uplifting – words that call us to higher ground. At best, we’re called to grow in faith, hope and charity. We’re encouraged to exercise that faith we profess, otherwise it becomes nothing but a mere utterance; fruitless.
Part of that faith journey is realizing that the answers to our problems lie not in any man, nor in any legislation, nor in any earthly thing. We are given choices daily – do we choose those offered by the world? Or do we step out in faith and trust God to supply our need?
From a lifetime of experience, I encourage every one of us to give God a chance. He never disappoints.
The Senator’s speech was heard by countless people throughout the world. It was delivered during the holiest week for Christians. It would have been wonderful if the Senator had exercised his faith rather than his considerable political skill. He could have elevated us all to a higher place.
I stopped looking for reactions to the Senator’s speech when I read Mr. Chetwynd’s letter. How blessed it was to read of his journey to forgiveness. And how blessed it was to read these words: “bring him back to Christ.” And this not from a Christian, but from a Jew. As I stated in an earlier post, “You are a man on whose heart the laws of God are written.”
It was Mr. Chetwynd – not one of our own faith – who would gently remind us of where our salvation lies. And to Whom it is we owe being grafted onto the Tree of Life.
The ways of God are deep and mysterious, but well worth pursuing. And for those of us who have come to know our Savior, we cannot deny Him.
